Culture shock rating

Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.

Low

Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.

Medium

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.

High

You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Medium

Physicality

Physical rating

Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.

Low

Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.

Medium

Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

High

Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

Low

TOUR SNAPSHOT

“”

My guide Satya was fantastic. He knew everything about the cultures of Hindu and Buddhism . I had a chance to interact with both religions, it was a very special experience that I will never forget .

Ms. Natalie P., Australia - 30 Oct 2017

This was such a great adventure and a great way to learn about the Buddhist and Hindu cultures! Loved every minute of this tour. Subash, our guide, was great and enthusiastic and so happy to share his culture with us!!! Great, great, great tour!

Ms. Sommer M., USA - 10 Oct 2017

Subash did a fantastic job of providing historical and cultural information every step of the way. I did three urban adventures in Kathmandu, and this was my favorite! The Pashupatinath Temple and the Great Buddha Stupa are true gems worth visiting/exploring. My photos from this adventure are incredible, as are my memories!

Ms. Karen O., USA - 10 Oct 2017

Tour snapshot

Cover all spiritual bases on this multifaith Kathmandu tour. Meet dreadlocked Hindu holy men, learn about Buddhism from a local monk, and then look into your future with a local astrologer. Fingers crossed there's travel, glory and a lottery win ahead!

Highlights

Get spiritual at the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath

Interact with the ‘Sadhus’- Hindu Holy Men.

Learn a thing or two about Buddhism from the monks at Bodhnath.

Get an acquaintance with the famed astrologer who can chart out your future to your amazement!

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entry fees to Pashupatinath and Bodhnath, local transport fare.

Exclusions: Lunch, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide, alms to holy men and monks, astrologer’s fees.

Schedule details

Duration: 4-5 hours

Meeting point:

Hotel Kathmandu Guest House courtyard, located at Thamel

Starting time: 3.00 PM

Ending point:

Hotel Kathmandu Guest House courtyard, located at Thamel

FULL ITINERARY

Meet up with your guide and walk to the nearest bus-stand (20 mins approx). Jump on local transport to one of the holiest temples for Hindus all around the world- Pashupatinath (20 mins approx). Join your guide through the spiritual journey as they provide an insight into the Hindu religion, the cycle of birth and death and the story behind the Sadhus - Hindu Holy Men, who renounce their hedonistic social life to devote their life to Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) to whom the temple is dedicated. Witness one of many cremations along the banks of Bagmati river and on the sanctimonious grounds of temple. Interact with soot-smeared, saffron-clad, dreadlocked Sadhus.

Spiritually high, travel by local transport to reach the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal (possibly, in the world). Follow the pilgrims circumventing the Stupa spinning the prayer wheels. Offer prayers to Lord Buddha lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entry way to the Stupa. Converse with one of the resident monks and learn more about the Buddhist philosophy.

Food for thought, time to fill the stomach! Lunch at a roof-top restaurant commanding an enticing view of the Stupa.

Following lunch walk in to the abode of one of the most sought after astrologers in Nepal. Be amazed by how he deconstructs the mystery that is you and your future.

Return a transformed person!

Additional information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entry fees to Pashupatinath and Bodhnath, local transport fare.

Exclusions: Lunch, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide, alms to holy men and monks, astrologer’s fees.

Dress standard: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.
Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.

Traveller rating

Rating summary

Ms. Natalie P. from Australia travelled on 30 Oct 2017

My guide Satya was fantastic. He knew everything about the cultures of Hindu and Buddhism . I had a chance to interact with both religions, it was a very special experience that I will never forget .

Ms. Sommer M. from USA travelled on 10 Oct 2017

This was such a great adventure and a great way to learn about the Buddhist and Hindu cultures! Loved every minute of this tour. Subash, our guide, was great and enthusiastic and so happy to share his culture with us!!! Great, great, great tour!

Ms. Karen O. from USA travelled on 10 Oct 2017

Subash did a fantastic job of providing historical and cultural information every step of the way. I did three urban adventures in Kathmandu, and this was my favorite! The Pashupatinath Temple and the Great Buddha Stupa are true gems worth visiting/exploring. My photos from this adventure are incredible, as are my memories!

Ms. Danielle F. from Australia travelled on 04 May 2017

Fantastic tour. Very eye opening. Loved the Hindu temple! Thanks for a great afternoon

Ms. Mary B. from USA travelled on 30 Oct 2016

Ms. Annie H. from Australia travelled on 14 Feb 2016

Due to the current blockade of Nepal and the lack of diesel available, there are about 1/3 of the public buses running. This tour required use of the public bus, it was really, really overcrowded and uncomfortable, not only physically but felt we were taking locals places making it hard for them to go about their daily life. Our guide was amazing, lnowledgeable and guided us in culturally acceptable behaviour.

Ms. JULIANA R. from Brazil travelled on 22 May 2014

The experience was amazing! I was the only person in the group and I had the opportunity to talk a lot with the guide. He was a very nice person how know everything about the culture of the city. I strongly reccomend this experience!

Mr. Eric C. from Canada travelled on 20 Nov 2013

Omez, our guide, was excellent. He took the time we wanted at each site, had lots of interesting stories and knowledge to impart and took us on some interesting routes. Mainly walking and local transit lets you see things the way locals do. Another great Urban Adventure.